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Dog Allergy Information

Dog Allergies

My Dog Has Allergies? Really. Part 1

Your pet consists of muscle, bone, tissue, glands and other physical components comparable to yours. He or she can catch similar diseases. One of the growing recognizable health issues among dogs today is allergies. Your pet can be allergic, like you, to food, mould, dust bunnies and pollen. How your pet reacts, however, is different. The symptoms of canine allergies vary from the human ones.

There are 2 basic types of canine allergies. The first is Atopic Dermatitis. The second is Food Allergies. Each of these categories has different causes. The 2 types also display different symptoms. Part 1 will begin by looking at Atropic Dermatitis or Atopic Allergies.

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic allergies are the most common type of allergy. It is the result of a dog’s reaction to various substances. These include mould, pollen, house dust and fungi. It affects dogs usually from age 1 to 3. Certain breeds seem more susceptible than others. Pugs, Labrador Retrievers, golden Retrievers, Boxers, Llasa Apsos, Dalmatians and Shih Tzus are more prone than other breed to atopic allergies.

The skin problem can begin with a minor rash. There are several characteristics indicative of the health issue. These signs of atopic dermatitis are

• itching

• skin lesions

• discoloration of the skin

• darkening of the skin pigmentation

The problem for diagnosis is it resembles many other types of skin problems. The pattern the disease adopts, however, helps to indicate the disease. Atopic Allergies usually start off as a minor seasonal rash or itch. It stays for a month or 2 before disappearing. This does not remain the case for long. As the health problem progresses, the length of the problem increases. It becomes an all-year-round health issue.

At the beginning, you may only see your dog itching and scratching. There might be a few “hot spots.” In general, the skin and fur are normal in appearance. Later on as the problem advances toward an ongoing issue, the skin takes on a pink or red color. This is the result of inflammation. As time passes, the skin problem advances in extent and characteristics become obvious. The dog’s saliva has begun to have an effect upon the skin. It darkens taking on a bronze coloration.

The problem may come in the company or precede other health problems. There may be yeast infections. The dog may also suffer from chronic ear infections.

Treatment

There are several ways to approach treating Atopic Allergies. Some owners adhere to a conventional stance; others prefer to refer to alternative methods. Some wisely combine the 2 to try to achieve maximum impact in battling the problem. This holistic approach combines the use of accepted drug treatments with such things as herbal therapy, nutritional considerations, acupuncture and homeopathy.

Conventional Treatment

• Corticosteroids

• Antihistamines

• Hypo sensitization - vaccinating the animal with a diluted allergen

• Complementary Treatments

• Topical treatments with frequent applications of shampoo and conditioner

• Proper diet with nutritional supplements to build up the immune system

• Herbal therapy

• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

• Acupuncture

• Homeopathy

Some individuals place a strong emphasis on nutrition. They realize that diet alone cannot cure it, but it can act as a preventive measure. The right diet avoids overly processed foods. A proper diet with nutritional supplements will help to build up the weakened or susceptible immune system.

Atopic allergies are curable. There is simply no quick fix. This is particularly true if you let the condition linger and worsen. The sooner you and your vet discover your dog has allergies, the better chance your dog has of being cured.

Information provided by Harry Hamilton of ohmydogsupplies.com, check out our diverse collection of small dog clothing online.